Mitchell Starc: Injury rules Australia bowler out of West Indies series

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, After suffering the foot injury Starc still batted in both innings, scoring vital runs in the three-wicket win

Australia left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of the upcoming three-Test series against West Indies with a broken foot.

Starc suffered a stress fracture during the third Test against New Zealand.

Wearing a protective boot, he told reporters: "I'll be in this boot for three or four weeks."

The West Indies series begins on 9 December in Hobart, and Starc could also miss the return series against the Black Caps in New Zealand in February.

"There's no point putting a time stamp on it yet until the bone heals," he said.

Starc was the joint-leading wicket-taker in the series against the Kiwis - won 2-0 by Australia - with 13.

But his injury further depletes their pace bowling resources following the retirement of fellow left-arm quick Mitchell Johnson midway through the New Zealand series.